PITTSBURGH - The University of Pittsburgh wrestling team kicked off its 2012-13 season in exciting fashion as the annual Blue vs. Gold dual came down to the final match. With his team down three points, redshirt senior Zac Thomusseit recorded a pin to give the Gold team a 16-13 victory.

The Gold team jumped out to an early 10-0 lead behind a major decision from Mack at 133 pounds and decisions from freshman Ty Lydic and redshirt senior Donnie Tasser at 141 and 149 pounds, respectively.

The Blue squad was able to respond winning the next four matches. Redshirt sophomore Troy Reaghard got the first Blue points with a 6-3 decision at 157 pounds. He was followed by decisions from freshman Geno Morelli (165) and redshirt freshman Nick Bonaccorsi (174) and a major decision from returning All-American Matt Wilps at 197.

After Wilps' major decision the Blue squad led 13-10 heading into the final match featuring heavyweights Thomusseit and freshman Dennis Zaitsev. Thomusseit jumped on the freshman early scoring three takedowns and a two-point near fall. After a Zaitsev escape, Thomusseit was able to tally a final takedown and turn Zaitsev for a pin at the 1:35 mark to secure the victory for the Gold team.

The evening started with seven preliminary bouts to determine the participants on the Blue and Gold rosters. Results from all matches can be found below. Matches were not wrestled at 125 and 184 pounds.

The Panthers begin their season this weekend when they head to Clarion, Pa. to compete in the Knight Point Open.